Schengen Countries and EU Countries The Difference Between Them

The European Union (EU) and Schengen Area are two entities that are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. While they share some similarities, they also have important differences. In this article, we will explore the difference between Schengen countries and EU countries.

What is the European Union (EU)?

The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe. It was created with the aim of promoting peace, prosperity, and unity among European nations. The EU has a single market, which allows goods, services, capital, and people to move freely within the Union. It also has a common currency, the euro, which is used by 19 of the member states.

The EU was established with the signing of the Treaty of Maastricht in 1992. It has since grown in size and scope, with new countries joining and new policies being adopted. The EU is governed by a number of institutions, including the European Parliament, the European Council, the European Commission, and the Court of Justice of the European Union.

What is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is a zone of 26 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that citizens of Schengen countries can travel freely within the Schengen Area without the need for a visa or passport check. The Schengen Area also includes several non-EU countries, such as Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland.

The Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985 by five EU member states and later expanded to include more countries. The agreement was named after the town of Schengen in Luxembourg, where it was signed. The Schengen Agreement was incorporated into EU law with the signing of the Treaty of Amsterdam in 1997.

The Difference Between Schengen Countries and EU Countries

While there is some overlap between Schengen countries and EU countries, they are not the same thing. The EU is a political and economic union, while the Schengen Area is a zone of countries that have abolished border controls at their mutual borders.

Membership

One of the key differences between Schengen countries and EU countries is membership. The EU has 27 member states, while the Schengen Area has 26 member states. However, not all EU countries are part of the Schengen Area, and not all Schengen countries are part of the EU.

There are four EU member states that are not part of the Schengen Area: Ireland, the United Kingdom, Romania, and Bulgaria. Ireland and the United Kingdom have opted out of the Schengen Agreement, while Romania and Bulgaria have not yet met the necessary requirements for membership.

On the other hand, there are four non-EU countries that are part of the Schengen Area: Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. These countries have signed agreements with the EU that allow them to participate in the Schengen Area.

Border Controls

Another key difference between Schengen countries and EU countries is border controls. EU member states that are not part of the Schengen Area are allowed to maintain their own border controls. This means that citizens of these countries may be required to show a passport or other form of identification when crossing into another EU country.

Schengen countries, on the other hand, have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that citizens of Schengen countries can travel freely within the Schengen Area without the need for a visa or passport check.

Visas

Visa requirements are another area where Schengen countries and EU countries differ. While EU member states that are not part of the Schengen Area may require visas for citizens of certain countries to enter their territory, Schengen countries have a common visa policy. This means that citizens of certain countries can obtain a Schengen visa that allows them to travel to any Schengen country without the need for additional visas.

The Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows visitors to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a six-month period. This visa is issued by the authorities of the Schengen country where the visitor plans to spend the majority of their time.

EU countries, on the other hand, have their own visa policies. While some EU countries may have visa-free agreements with certain countries, others may require visas for visitors from those same countries. It is important to check the visa requirements of the individual EU country you plan to visit before you travel.

Customs Controls

Customs controls are another area where Schengen countries and EU countries differ. While customs controls are generally abolished at internal borders within the Schengen Area, they are still in place at external borders. This means that visitors entering the Schengen Area from a non-Schengen country may still be subject to customs controls.

In contrast, EU countries that are not part of the Schengen Area may have customs controls at their borders with other EU countries. This means that visitors may be subject to customs checks when crossing into another EU country, even if they are an EU citizen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there is some overlap between Schengen countries and EU countries, they are not the same thing. The EU is a political and economic union, while the Schengen Area is a zone of countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders.

EU countries that are not part of the Schengen Area may have their own border, visa, and customs policies, while Schengen countries have a common visa policy and have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders.

It is important to be aware of these differences when traveling within Europe, as they can impact the requirements for entry and travel within certain countries. By understanding the differences between Schengen and EU countries, travelers can better plan their trips and avoid any complications that may arise from differing policies and regulations.